The Alchemist

Coffee from carefully chosen coffee beans is complemented by open faced sandwiches called “slicers” and a full spectrum of gluten free deserts at this tranquil cafe located within a gated artist’s community.

Brew Urban Cafe

It’s a majestic coffee shop that also serves wine and beer – perhaps that’s why Brew Urban Caf

Candela Restaurant

In South Florida, where the recent small-plate obsession has tainted our palates (and pockets) with pricey, upmarket concept foods, we have no understanding of the Spanish art of celebrating food and drink. But at Candela Restaurant in Wilton Manors, you can get an idea of what it’s all about. Just one block south of Oakland […]

Falafel Benny

“Howz dee faylafell?,” Ben Regev yells from behind a glass and granite countertop. Most people can only awkwardly nod as they chew on soft pitas filled with well-seasoned green falafel topped with tahini and a rainbow of fresh and pickled vegetables. As a kid growing up in Israel, Regev used to skip school to work […]

IKEA

While no compelling reason exists to eat at IKEA unless you’re shopping there, you’re doing yourself a dis-service if you’re buying furniture without dining. And we don’t mean a chicken wrap or a salad. We’re talking a plate of Swedish meatballs. With the gravy. And the potatoes and (most importantly) the lingonberries. You’re only going […]

IKEA Restaurant

While no compelling reason exists to eat at IKEA unless you’re shopping there, you’re doing yourself a dis-service if you’re buying furniture without dining. And we don’t mean a chicken wrap or a salad. We’re talking a plate of Swedish meatballs. With the gravy. And the potatoes and (most importantly) the lingonberries. You’re only going […]

International House of Schnitzel

It’s safe to say the thin, breaded meat cutlet known as schnitzel is not quite as buzzworthy as pancakes, the specialty of another, well-known international house. But even if it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves, schnitzel is undoubtedly more popular worldwide, whether it goes by the name “milanesa” in Italy and Latin America […]

Java Boys Coffee House

Put simply, now that Starbuck’s has invaded Wilton Manors (at Five Points, in the old Shakespeare’s Pub location) those beholden to its corporate charms will go there. Folks supporting the little guy, however, will come to Java Boys in the gayest strip mall in the state. Put it this way: Anita Bryant has nothing to […]

Luna Star Cafe

An oasis along the commercial strip in North Miami, this funky acoustic music stronghold has a relaxed community vibe, where customers do indeed know each other. It’s cozy, with a smattering of tables, a bar, and a stage that supports live music and readings. The friendly, casual service, then, fits right in.

Shawn & Nick’s Courtyard Cafe

A retro diner in the heart of Wilton Manors, Shawn & Nick’s draws from the locals crowds. The walls are an “I’m awake!” lime green and lemon yellow, with red and orange accents and a black and white checkerboard floor. Breakfast is served all day (or night), with several eclectic twists: fried green tomatoes and […]

Simply Natural

Any health-food store can sell stuff that claims to be good for you. But go to the counter at Simply Natural in Sunrise and you’re liable to find Richard or Shahrooz, the husband-and-wife owners who are not just selling healthy stuff, but creating a community of wholesome living. Together, they have been known to offer […]

Sweat Records

In the days of digital, for a record store to thrive requires more than a little entrepreneurial spirit – and the music Gods looking kindly on you doesn’t hurt either. Luckily, Sweat Records is much more than a record retailer. The Little Haiti venue is the unofficial headquarters for Miami’s indie set. It’s a music […]